• Monasteries and stupas of Leh
• Breathtaking views of Nimaling Valley
• Skiu and Shingo Villages
• Majestic Taj Mahal

Delhi is a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India’s legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi’s spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 1: Delhi—Leh
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Leh. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Located at 11,975 feet, Leh was once the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. The town boasts a strong religious co-existence of Tibetan Buddhism and Islam. Afternoon at leisure for rest and acclimatization. Overnight in Leh.

Day 2: Leh
After breakfast, begin your tour with short walks to nearby monasteries and Leh Palace. Later, drive to Shanti Stupa, built by a Japanese order whose mission was to spread Buddhism throughout the world. The stupa is located at a commanding height and provides fantastic views of Leh and surrounding valleys. Continue to Namgyal Tsemo Hill. Built in 1430, it contains a 3-story Buddha image, ancient manuscripts, and frescos. Overnight in Leh.

Day 3: Leh
Proceed on a full day tour of nearby monasteries: Shey, the 15th century summer palace and monastery that belongs to the royal family of Leh; Thiksey, an 800 year old gompa with panoramic views of the Indus Valley; and Hemis, a monastery with architectural brilliance built in the 1600’s. Overnight in Leh.

Day 4: Leh—Martselang
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, drive 1 hour to the Trek head in Martselang. Overnight in tents.

Day 5: Martselang—Chogdo
Trek: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, start your trek. Today’s journey will be a gentle one, starting wide, passing through paddy and wheat fields and ending in a river bed. Porters will do the load distribution for balance on the mules. Overnight in tents.

Day 6: Chogdo—Churkimo
Trek: 6 hours

In the morning, the trail passes through spectacular gorges. Rising gradually for a couple hours, it suddenly takes a steep ascent to reach the campsite at the base of Kongmaru La. Overnight in tents.

Day 7: Churkimo—Nimaling
Trek: 6-7 hours

Today, begin your trek early in the morning. After gentle rises you approach the most strenuous part of the journey, zig-zag patches across the pass. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Nimaling plains and Mt. Kang Yatze. After descending toward the Nimaling Valley, cross the Markha River and arrive at the grazing grounds in Markha Valley, your campsite for tonight. Overnight in tents.

Day 8: Nimaling—Markha
Trek: 5-6 hours

Start walking through the pastures and cross a small mountain lake. As you descend to Hankar village, you will cross the river and enter the breathtaking paddy fields. Approach the Markha village and arrive at the campsite on the banks of the river. Overnight in tents.

Day 9: Markha (Rest Day)
Today is a rest day on your trek, where you will have the opportunity to wash, bathe, and explore the Markha village. Overnight in tents.

Day 10: Markha—Skiu
Trek: 5-6 hours

Today’s trek is gentle along the river and fields. Arrive at the campsite just before the Skiu village. Overnight in tents.

Day 11: Skiu—Shingo
Trek: 4-5 hours

Today pass the Skiu village and start a gentle ascent to cross the village of Shingo. The campsite has magnificent views of Gondi La. Overnight in tents.

Day 12: Shingo—Rumbak
Trek: 6-7 hours

Start a gradual ascent to the top of the pass for views of Mt. Kantaka. Descend to the valley, passing village homes, and continue trekking through Rumbak village. Overnight in tents.

Day 13: Rumbak—Leh
Trek: 6-7 hours

On this final day of your trek, start early as the trail rises gradually in zigzag fashion. Arrive at the top and descend through the valley to reach your pick-up point in Stok. Drive 30 minutes to reach your hotel in Leh. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Leh.

Day 14: Leh
Today visit the monasteries of Chemrey and Tak Tak. The magnificent gompa of Chemrey sees few visitors because of its location in a side valley. It is an illustration of Buddhist preservation. Tak Tak houses a cave in which the apostle Padmasambhava is said to have meditated in during his epic journey to Tibet in the 8th century. Overnight in Leh.

Day 15: Leh—Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 16: Delhi
After breakfast, visit the sites of Delhi: Red Fort, a marvel of red sandstone; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; and Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Also drive past the President's Palace and India Gate. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 17: Delhi—Agra—Delhi
This morning, transfer to the train station for your first class rail journey to Agra (3 hours). Upon arrival, visit the majestic Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 20,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. Later, transfer to the station for your return train journey to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi. (Please note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. For scheduling purposes, Day 16/17 may be reversed.)

Day 18: Departure
Day at leisure to rest or explore Delhi. We recommend visiting the vibrant markets and bazaars for fantastic shopping! Tonight, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. Bon Voyage!